Publish a Group Cookbook

Have you ever been in charge of putting together a WARD COOKBOOK (ward or other big group)? Or as a fundraiser for the PTA? These things are not an easy feat. In fact, friends in my last ward on the cookbook committee, said it was so time-consuming that they'd never want to be in charge of that kind of project again.

I want to let you all know that doing a ward (or group) cookbook has gotten a whole lot easier, and less time-consuming for the committee! And it is a wonderful fundraising opportunity for the PTA or other organization you're involved in. The PTA did this as a fundraiser for my children's school this year, and that is how I found out the easy way to do a group cookbook.

After shopping them out and comparing the different cookbook websites online, I decided to go with MORRIS PRESS COOKBOOKS (the same company that our PTA went with).

The most wonderful thing about this company is that everyone in your group/family/organization can contribute and submit their own recipes THEMSELVES! It takes HOURS of work OFF the ones in charge!!

It's super easy to get started. Go to their website and order a FREE starter kit. They will take you step-by-easy-step into this fun project!

Here's my 2-cents worth of advice
(if this is a ward cookbook)...
-Have a small committee. We had just 2 of us- myself as chairperson and another as co-chair. (The RS presidency were committee members, but just for moral support and insight- not expected to do anything.) Designate your responsibilities. (I was in charge of getting people excited about the cookbook, emailing them information, and proofing recipes. Brenda was in charge of passing around the sign-up sheets, making the spreadsheet, collecting the money, and sending in the final order after we filled out the form together.)
-Start with a sign-up sheet for names, email addresses and phone numbers (for those wanting to contribute and/or participate). This will give you their permission to contact them in regards to this project. With that list, start a spreadsheet that you can update and send back and forth between you and the co-chair.
-Email me at TheCreativeHomemaker at gmail dot com if you would like to see the message I typed up and clipart I used to introduce this project to our RS.
-Make sure you clearly explain exactly how you would like everyone to label their measurements. ie: "Please follow the guideline examples given in 'Typensave'." or "Please use 'T' for Tablespoon and 't' for teaspoon." and so on. (This is something I did not do and wish I had. It would've saved me a lot of time in the proofing process!)
-Proof the recipes every few days when you have a second here and there. I waited and did them all at once. Exhausting!

We were able to get 200+ cookbooks with 400 recipes for about $5 each. It's been a success! The money has been collected (the hard part), Brenda and I are alive and well, the order is in, and we are anxiously awaiting our books!!
*Please Note: In our church, these are NOT (and should not be) used as a fundraiser. This is simply a fun, unifying opportunity for our ward relief society. I think every ward needs a ward cookbook every once in a while!

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WEED Buckets

Now that its warmer weather the Weeds seem to be in full bloom(oh wait, they're always in bloom!). So I don't have to pick all the weeds myself I usually give each of the kids a grocery sack to fill. Either the weeds are not fun to pull or the grocery sack is too big to fill up. My SIL enlightened me with a solution.


Dollar Store (DollarTree) Bucket


When they fill up the bucket they are done for the day. I'm hoping this will cut down on all the whining of "how many hours of weed pulling".


I figure we could all do this a couple times a week. If more weeds need pulling we might have to do it more often. Well see. Pin It

Protein Snacks

I feel like these last 20 lbs want to stay with me forever. [But then again I can't count how many times I've started & stopped.] I've been exercising and eating better for the past month and not too much has changed so I have had many "lightbulb" moments lately. I found out that I need more protein(helps muscles) and less carbs(for energy but too much turns into fat). I struggle with not being tempted to have dessert and its hard to just have 1 piece. These Protein Snacks are great because I get the sugar taste without the empty calories, proteins & carbs. My friend Megan(who works at a Gym) gave me this recipe. . .

No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Balls

1 cup almond butter, 1/2 cup honey, 2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder(Winco,Walmart), 1 cup oats, 1/4 ground flax seeds(Winco), 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Mix all the ingredients together, form into (1" to 1 1/2") balls and refrigerate for 2 hours before enjoying. Yields about 22 balls.

Then I found these (I altered a bit + the no bake ones taste better than the baked ones). . .

Almond Oatmeal Protein Bars


8 oz. fat free cream cheese, 4 scoops whey powder portein(I did 2 of chocolate + 2 of vanilla), 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed. Mix these all together with an electric mixture then add 3 cups oats & 1/2 cup almonds. Mix again. If its too think just add some water. I put this mixture in a 11"x 7" pan. Refrigerate and cut into 12 bars.

No Bake Oatmeal Protein Balls


5 Tbl. peanut butter (smooth or chunky), 3 cups oats, 6 scoops whey protein powder(I did 4 of chocolate + 2 of vanilla), 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 1 cup non-fat dry milk, 1/4 cup water(add more if needed), 1/3 cup honey. Mix all the ingredients together and form into (1") balls. Place them on a cookie sheet & refrigerate. Yields about 35 balls.




I decided to store the extras in the freezer(each serving in a snack ziplock bags) in the recycled continers (it will help detour my kids from eating them). Then I can just pull one out when I need it.


I love how these Protein snacks are filling, healthy & dessert like.

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Tip for Today

My aunt Rena taught me a little tip I thought was interesting: Put OATS in your meatballs!

Last night we had meatball sandwiches. I just added 3/4 cup of old fashioned OATS to 2 lbs meat, 3 egg yolks & seasonings. I put them in the crockpot on low for 5 to 6 hours with sauce to cook. They held together well and tasted great. Pin It

God Bless America

Wave your colors proud today. God bless America. God bless our troops!!



"Now I lay me down to sleep, one less terrorist this world does keep. With all my heart I give my thanks, to those in uniform regardless of ranks. You serve our country and serve it well, with humble hearts your stories tell. So as I rest my weary eyes, while freedom rings our flag still flies. You… give your all, do what you must...with God we live and God we trust." (Don't know who wrote this. Got it off one of my friend's FB posts.)

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Cinnamon Bread Sticks

I found this great recipe and it just sounded simple & good! I made it a little healthier by baking it instead of frying it.


1/2 cup sugar, 3 TBL. cinnamon, 2 Pkg. prepared pizza dough(8 to 10 oz.)
Make the cinnamon/sugar mixture and roll the prepared pizza dough in it. I baked it at 375 for 15 minutes.
You could dip it in: marshmallow creme, jam, honey butter, melted frosting or chocolate. . . Pin It

{Right Of Passage} Book

Our oldest daughter has challenged us by growing up(she's 12 going on 18)! I'm always reminding them to embrace the age they are and the fun that comes with it. But as questions of "when can I do this" come up, I thought it would be good to write them down. A simple book where the privledges of each age have already been set. It will be great when the other kids get to those ages-we will be prepared.


This is our book: Right Of Passage. (simple photo book from Walmart)


I took out the front & back cover to embellish.

Inside pages. . . {we'll have to add more when we sit down as a family to discuss.} I also thought it would be cute to add photos of the kids (collaged on the same page opposite of each "age" page)each at that age.



What fun privledges do your children have to look forward to? Pin It

My {Kind} of Cookie

I was really in the baking mood yesterday. I found these great versatile Cookie recipes in one of my cookbooks(Lionhouse Bakery). The great thing is, is that you can substitute the pudding mix and cake mix with any flavor and its a whole new cookie.


No Bake Cookies


2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup butter, 2/3 cup evaporated milk, 1(4oz)pkg. pudding mix [I did lemon-so yummy], 3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, & milk. Bring to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add pudding mix & oats. Mix well. Drop by spoonful onto a piece of foil or wax paper. Allow 15 minutes to cool & set.


Candy Bar Cookies


1 pkg. cake mix[I did devil's chocolate], 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 giant or 2 regular sized candy bars-cut up[I did peanut m&m's cause that's what was in my cupboard].
Mix together all the ingredients. Drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Let them cool about 15 minutes before eating.

ENJOY! Pin It

Birthday {Countdown}

Our little boys' birthday is coming up soon & he can't wait. He keeps asking how many days are left til the big day so I came up with this Birthday Countdown.


1-I got a puzzle from a second hand store. Put it together and lightly sand the top(so the paint will adhere).


2-Spray paint the puzzle pieces(mine are 3"x4", whole puzzle measure 10"x13") with the color of your choice.

Cut a board(mine is 14"x16") for the puzzle & title.


3-Trace & paint your design. I love circles but you could do stripes, swirls, block, etc. . .


4- Done with the (acrylic) painting. Remember to spray a protective clear coat. I outlined the painted circles with the same color by adding a touch of white.


5-Lay the puzzle on the finished painted wood. Cut small pieces of velcro to adhere to the back of each puzzle piece. Lay each one onto the board.


6-To decorate the top, use curly ribbon & tuelle.


7- Under each puzzle piece use stickers or write(with a sharpie) words that describe Birthdays.


Let's get counting . . . Pin It

EASTER Kitchen Towel

I love Easter for the vibrant colors, yummy goodies & fun crafts/activities that help to celebrate this holiday. But what I love most is the remberance of new life.


I found this kitchen towel at the Dollar Store(DollarTree) and its needs "life" brought to it


To sew on, I added, ribbon to the bottom & cut out fabric eggs for the front.


Hangs great in the kitchen!

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A Paper Chain to My Goal

It's week 3 (out of 12) of my weight-loss program. Last week I didn't do as well because I hadn't prepped all my meals ahead of time. It was a super crazy, busy week for me with a lot I was responsible for. And without having my meals ready it was really difficult to stay on target. Preparing your food for the week is KEY!! Week one was super easy because of it.

Something I deciced to do to help me stay on track/motivated, was to make a paper chain (with a link for each day). This way I could visualize the end, and see how far I've come! 

I cut a bunch of strips out of some paper I had. For FHE we talked about goals and checked our progress on some of our family goals that we set in January. Then I told the kids about my goal to become more healthy and fit.

I divied out the paper strips to everyone, and we all wrote motivating messages on them for me. Then I made a chain out of the strips and hung it up where I would see it every day.

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Quick & Easy Saturday Meals

Saturdays are so busy now for us(probably like many of you) so I have some recipes that will be great for tomorrow.

BREAKFAST:

Breakfast Hot Dogs Put a cooked cheddar filled smoked sausages in a bun. Top it with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese.

LUNCH: PB & Strawberry Pita Pockets For a one serving size, mix together 4 Tbl. chunky peanut butter, 1 Tbl. honey, 2 Tbl. dry roasted sunflower seeds. Spread this mixture inside the pita pocket. Slice 3 strawberries and place inside. Pin It

How Much Do We Need?

This weekend as I was putting away the items(food & "other") from my weekly shopping trip, I realized something that might help me to know how much to buy to have my year's supply. I have a good handle on the food part but its the toiletries that I'm not prepared on the quantity. Things like: handsoap, deodorant, q-tips/cotton balls, bodywash, toothpaste, mouthwash, dish soap, cleaners, toilet paper, etc. . . So I decided to put the date on an item when I open it then when its gone I can do my calculating for the year & buy accordingly. I love using coupons but if I don't need to stock pile a certain item because it takes too long to use it, then I've just wasted money that could have gone somewhere else! Pin It

Making Dinner Sucks

YES... I AGREE... Making dinner DOES suck. I hate making dinner... especially now-days, since I'm not eating the same thing that my family is. And I STILL have to PREPARE their food, while eating my own little planned-out meal. It's not easy! In fact, last week I found myself panicking a little each time one of my kids would tell me they were hungry. Or when I thought about making them dinner.

My friend, Amanda is so ispiring to me! She started a blog a while back called Making Dinner Sucks, to motivate herself through her journey from hating to cook... to hopefully enjoying cooking good meals for her family.

Her blog has recently turned into a journey of healthy, clean eating habits in her home. You've got to go check out her story! She amazes and inspires me to no end!! I need Amanda to come help me clean out my pantry and fridge, then take me grocery shopping.

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Car Magnet

I love Flowers- I always have to find ways to use them! I was getting gas this morning & thought it was would be cute to have something decorating the door to my gas tank. I measured my gas tank door(Honda van) & got some strong magnetic sheeting(got at a sign making store. Michael's craft store has some but I don't know how strong it is.). With as much as the weather changes in Idaho this will weather nicely! I put my vinyl flower on the magnetic sheeting & using my scissors/box knife to cut around the flower. Pin It

Angela is Going to Lose Weight

Last week while in my closet trying to find something to wear, I got really depressed! My biggest size of clothing felt too tight... Oh NO!! I can't bare to have to go shopping for another size UP. No WAY!

So I've kicked it into "high gear" and started a new weight-loss journey (for the ???th time). Today is DAY #3 of 84 days on the LIVE the LIFE program. I love this program because it spells out every detail for you, from every exercise to every meal with the recipes and shopping lists.

This is what I'm going to focus on for the next 3 months. NOT this blog, NOT my crafts/projects, NOT anything else that will detour me from my success. Don't worry. HEATHER has plenty of amazing ideas and inspiration to share, and keep you lurking!!

I will share my weight-loss experience... How I feel about this program I'm trying out, how I'm doing with it, how much weight I've lost, if I fail again (which I can't and won't this time), and if I succeed with flying colors (which I can and WILL)!

I am stepping out and telling all of you about my weight-loss journey, for the sake of accountability. I want to shrink about 4 sizes (which will take more than 84 days) and is my ending goal. I will not share my starting weight until I have lost at least 30 lb. (Still trying to build that trust with myself that I will see this through to the end.) Wish me luck! And I wish you the same if you are in the same boat!

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PB & J French Toast

My husband & I were watching the "Triple D" show with Guy Fieri. He visited a place that had an interesting way to do French Toast. So yesterday for breakfast that is what we tried(with Boysenberry jam-YUM!). Sather the Peanut Butter & Jam on each slice of French or Italian bread. Put 'em together, dip 'em, cook 'em, plate 'em, EAT 'em! [Since they don't give you a recipe I used my own version] 6 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 cup melted honey
ENJOY!!!


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